Definition of harvard crimson
1
: a moderate red that is slightly darker than cerise, darker than claret, darker, very slightly bluer, and less strong than average strawberry (see strawberry sense 2a), and bluer and very slightly darker than Turkey red
— called also jockey
2
of textiles
: a deep purplish red that is redder and paler than hollyhock or magenta (see magenta sense 2a) and stronger and slightly bluer and lighter than American beauty